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Dimapur, April 18 (EMN): A group of alumni and research scholars from Nagaland at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, have written an open letter to the chief minister of Nagaland in connection with the challenges of tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, stating that it was done “out of concern for our home state and its people”.
The scholars lauded the state administration for its tireless work in the present crisis but expressed doubt at its “fully prepared” claim. Stating that there is no dearth of funds with help coming from the Centre via the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF); MDoNER set to release fund for NE states; and donations pouring in to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, they asked the government to release more amount towards meeting the exigencies of Covid-19.
The scholars urged the chief minister to use the crisis as an opportunity to upgrade healthcare facilities in all the districts and that funds should be judiciously utilised to expedite the procurement of medical equipment, ventilators, quarantine facilities and BSL-3 labs. They also asked to make immediate provisions for temporary accommodation, food, and rest stations for health professionals and frontline workers directly handling Covid-19 cases in the wake of stigmatisation meted out to them.
The scholars urged the government to provide high quality personal protective equipment (PPE) to all healthcare workers and ensure that the medical staff receive training on handling Covid-19 patients and disinfection as per the WHO guideline as well as help patients, who have been forced to get medical treatment in private health facilities after converting district hospitals to Covid-19 centres, by providing medical goods to private hospitals at subsidised rates so that the benefit is transferred to the patients.
Stating that INR 38 lakh being earmarked as exigency fund to the deputy commissioners was not adequate, it has asked to release more funds on a regular basis and to co-ordinate with them to ensure fair distribution even to those not covered by PDS and Jan Dhan Yojana during the lockdown. The scholars asked the government not to deduct from the salaries of government employees but grant monthly “risk and hardship” allowance for healthcare staff and police personnel across rank and file to boost their morale until the crisis is over.
They want the government to ensure availability of essential commodities at reasonable rates in the market and to issue proper advisory on police and vigilante groups so that they do not resort to high-handedness towards those who go out for essential commodities and not to harass or discriminate against non-Nagas.
They urged to expedite the setting up of Covid-19 testing labs since the instruments and equipment have arrived and to impress upon the public to first use the Covid-19 helpline number if symptoms arise.
The scholars also sought to know if Niathu Resort and the Cricket Academy in Sovima are being used as quarantine zones out of goodwill or at the expense of the state exchequer or other funds. They also sought equitable distribution of resources and infrastructures across all districts.
While welcoming the suggestion of the Governor RN Ravi of setting up a Covid-19 war room, it stated that the metaphor of war is not the most appropriate in preventing social calamity.
“This crisis should serve as an eye opener for the government and public alike, and, we should deeply introspect about out apathy, complacency, and incompetency. It is an occasion to develop accountability and build up not just infrastructures but our ethics as well,” read the letter from Limasenla Jamir, Chibenthung Yanthan, Neikolie Kuotsu, Thepfulhoukho Kuotsu, Honjem Konyak, Akhum Longkumer, Rebecca Chohwanglim.
Quoting CM’s address to the media that read: “These are extraordinary times and we need to unite in order to face the challenge under a spirit of oneness. Every citizen is a member of team Nagaland and together we will overcome the hurdles that lie ahead,” the signatories hoped that he would rise to the occasion through exemplary vision, promptness, generosity, transparency, and with a “spirit of oneness” with the citizens in their struggles and triumphs over Covid-19 as well as the ills that plague our polity.
They further urged the citizens to co-operate with the government in their endeavours.